Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

Toured out of Saddlebag on the East Ridge of Conness today. Even with clear overnight skies and lows in the mid-30's, the snow received only a superficial surface freeze and was quite punchy, wet, and unconsolidated just below the surface at 0900 on north aspects around 10,500'. Conditions have been pretty good up there lately, and this is my first time seeing the snowpack deteriorate to this extent. I suspect the mid-July like sun angle is pumping more energy into the thin snowpack than the mild nights can firm up.

I cut my tour short after continuously jabbing my pole into bottomless mank and seeing some localized cracking around my skis. (The firm surface layer collapsing into the wet underlying snow.)

I also observed what appeared to be a recent small cornice collapse on a north facing slope at 11,000', as well as glide cracking of the snowpack where it overlaid smooth (and probably wet) granite slabs.

There's still plenty of snow to ski in the high country for those who are motivated. Hopefully things firm up after this holiday weekend's standard cold snap.

Signs of Unstable Snow